Prosthetic Leg – Below-Knee Prosthetics

Patient: Chris Botta

Prosthetic Fitted With: Below-knee Prosthetic

Patient Background:

Christopher’s story begins 3 years ago when he became sick. Chris had an infection with a high fever and he “felt like death”. Chris somehow was able to drive himself to the hospital. According to doctors, if he had gotten there any later he could have died. Bacteria got into Chris’ foot through a crack in his skin. Over the course of 66 days spent in the hospital, Chris underwent several operations to excise the infected area. The wound ended up healing nicely until a tendon broke through the wound site. Chris went back to the hospital and the decision was made to amputate his left leg from below the knee. After the amputation, Chris was fitted with a prosthetic leg from Prosthetic Orthotic Solutions International.

Q & A

What were your initial thoughts once you found out you were going to have an amputation?

At first, I was in shock and realized no one was there to help me with this, no one to guide me, no help from the hospital staff who performed my amputation. I came home, the process was up to me, I had to find a way to get around. I started looking for a prosthetic leg.

How did you find out about POSI?

The only place I knew about following my amputation was Hangar. Before I made an appointment, POSI contacted me. After our conversation, Pam convinced me to come into the office. I live in South Philly and the POSI office was in Marlton. The 40 minute commute was worth it, I knew I found the right place to be fitted with a prosthetic leg.

What can you share about your experience with getting fitted with a prosthetic leg?

I was fitted with a prosthetic leg, a below-knee prosthetic. The process was daunting at first but turned out to be very simple. Throughout the prosthetic leg fitting process, I had many questions and I got all the answers. Every step along the way was explained in a way I understood. I had never experienced anything like this, I had no leg. How am I going to do this? What will I look like?

As the process went on, I had my mind made up that I was going to do this. The day arrived for my prosthetic leg diagnostic socket and I put it on and walked around like nothing was missing. Between POSI’s organization and my mental preparedness, we did it. Pam even videoed the event and put it on Youtube. I could walk again thanks to my prosthetic leg, a little different, but so what, I was walking!

From start to finish, who was your favorite staff member from POSI? Why?

I don’t think I can say I have a favorite staff member, that’s impossible. I came into contact with everyone. The people at POSI became more than just technicians, they are like my extended family. They cared for me in a way I’ve never known. Just outstanding in all aspects. Because of the help I received, I can do almost anything. I can’t thank POSI enough for my prosthetic leg fitting.

What is some advice you would give to others looking to get fitted with a prosthetic leg?

If I could give any advice to someone who has gone through the loss of a limb, or is about to, I would tell them about POSI for their prosthetic leg and other prosthetic needs. I would even take them there to meet the staff and reassure that person myself. It’s not the end of the world, it’s only the beginning. You can check out the rest, but POSI is the best!